Ferrari Chairman Backs Fred Vasseur Amid Christian Horner Rumors

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has publicly reaffirmed his "full confidence" in team principal Fred Vasseur, quashing recent rumors that Christian Horner might take over his role. This statement comes after speculation arose linking Horner to Ferrari following his departure from Red Bull, with a reported settlement agreement allowing him to return to F1 in 2026.

Why it matters:

Ferrari, a team steeped in F1 history and under intense scrutiny, needs stability at its leadership helm to navigate the competitive challenges of Formula 1. Elkann's clear endorsement of Vasseur aims to quell internal and external distractions, allowing the team to focus squarely on performance and future development, especially with the 2026 regulations on the horizon.

The Details:

• Elkann's Statement: "I want to express our full confidence in our Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, and in the work he is carrying out together with all our colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari — the mechanics, engineers, and drivers competing this weekend in Austin." He further emphasized the importance of teamwork to "maintain focus on the only goal that matters: always giving our very best on the track."
• Horner Rumors: Speculation about Christian Horner joining Ferrari began circulating after he officially parted ways with Red Bull. Reports suggested a settlement agreement would enable his return to F1 in 2026, leading to a flurry of rumors about his next potential move.
• Driver Reactions: Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc addressed the rumors ahead of the United States Grand Prix:
  • Hamilton: Branded the rumors "distracting" for the team, stating, "the team have made it clear where they stand in terms of re-signing Fred, and Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future for the team. So these things naturally aren't helpful." He emphasized maintaining focus on building the next year's car.
  • Leclerc: Described the constant speculation around the team as "a little bit annoying," noting, "there are too many people speaking things not coming from actual facts." He stressed the team's need to focus on their own work and turn around their performance.

The big picture:

Ferrari has long been a target for media speculation, especially during periods of underperformance or management changes. The current rumors about Horner highlight the persistent pressure on team principals at Maranello to deliver championship results. Elkann's intervention underscores a strategic move to stabilize the team's public image and reinforce confidence in its current direction under Vasseur, particularly as the team looks to build a foundation for future success and navigate the complex technical challenges leading up to the 2026 regulation changes.

What's next:

With the chairman's clear statement, Ferrari is expected to double down on its development efforts under Vasseur's leadership. The focus will now shift back to on-track performance and the ongoing development of the 2025 and 2026 cars. The team's ability to minimize distractions and maintain internal cohesion will be crucial as they push to close the gap to their rivals and compete for championships in the coming seasons.